Business
PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit: A gathering of the finest minds
PropertyGuru, Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company, announces the second virtual edition of its technology and thought leadership platform, the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit.
Gathering the finest minds, top-level business leaders, and decision-makers in the real estate and tech industries, the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit: Virtual Edition is set to premiere on Wednesday, 8 December 2021 on asiarealestatesummit.com with interactive features including live chat among participants, virtual booths, and on-demand playlists after opening day until Saturday, 8 January 2022. The virtual summit will feature global keynotes, expert talks, fireside chats, and panel discussions.
This year’s conversation will centre on the “Data Revolution” in the real estate sector, with discussions on sustainability, accessible data, green finance, smart tech and smart cities, and innovation from visionaries and start-ups. Chaired by Stephen Oehme, managing director of Quantum Thailand Ltd and former board member of Burj Khalifa Dubai, the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit: Virtual Edition 2021 main stage will be populated by a roster of diverse and internationally acclaimed speakers who are well-versed on the power of data science and its versatile applications, especially in the field of sustainable real estate.
Dr. William Thomas, PhD, South East Asia director of The Economist Intelligence Corporate Network, will open the discussion with The Economist Keynote on Asia’s economic recovery and reinvention post-pandemic. Susan Bennett, a veteran voice talent who gained prominence as the original voice of Siri, will deliver the International Keynote on “Becoming the Voice of A.I.” Former US Ambassador to Asian Development Bank Curtis S. Chin, now senior fellow for Asia at Milken Institute and presenter of “Asia Minute” on YouTube, will give the Policy Keynote and later join a fireside chat to discuss Asia’s urban resilience. And Ommid Saberi, senior industry specialist for green buildings at the International Finance Corporation will present the World Bank Keynote to discuss the recently-launched Building Resilience Index.
A couple of case studies will also feature at the virtual summit, including one by Japan-based Kohei Kurihara, co-founder of Privacy by Design Lab, who will shine the light on privacy and ethics issues. Renowned designer Patrick Keane, founder of Enter Projects, will talk about “The Age of 3D” to showcase 3D-printed or prefabricated materials and how architectural R&D implement sustainable, technologically aided, and data-driven designs. And Yasmin Rasyid, sustainability director in Malaysia at Lendlease, will present Kuala Lumpur’s The Exchange TRX project and how it fits within the sustainability framework of Malaysia’s newest financial district.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”